THORLABS PM100 User manual

Operation Manual
Thorlabs Instrumentation
Optical Power Meter System
PM120, PM121, PM122,
PM130, PM132,
PM140, PM144
PM210, PM212, PM213
2006

Version: 1.22 M0009-510-401
Date: 12.05.2006
Copyright© 2006, Thorlabs

Contents Page
1Safety 1
2Getting Started Quickly 3
2.1 Setup 3
2.2 Keyboard Summary 3
2.3 Display Arrangement 5
3Description 6
3.1 Parts List – Accessories 7
3.2 Technical Data 8
3.2.1 PM100 Display Unit 8
3.2.2 S120B / S121B Silicon Sensor (PM120 / PM121) 9
3.2.3 S122B Germanium Sensor (PM122) 10
3.2.4 S130A / S132B Slim Sensor (PM130 / PM132) 11
3.2.5 S140A / S144A Integrating Sphere Sensor (PM140 / PM144) 12
3.2.6 S210A 3W Thermal Sensor (PM210) 13
3.2.7 S212A 10W Thermal Sensor (PM212) 14
3.2.8 S213A 30W Thermal Sensor (PM213) 15
3.3 Physical Overview 16
3.4 Operating Instruction 17
3.4.1 Inserting and Charging the Battery Pack 17
3.4.2 Switching On and Off the Unit 18
3.4.3 Principal of Operation and Menu Navigation 18
3.4.4 Connecting a Photodiode Sensor (PM100 Series) 19
3.4.4.1 Dark current adjustment 20
3.4.4.2 Wavelength Correction 20
3.4.4.3 Attenuation/Gain Correction 21
3.4.5 Connecting a Thermal Sensor (PM200 series) 21
3.4.5.1 Zeroing the Sensor 22
3.4.5.2 Attenuation/Gain Correction 22
3.4.6 Range Setting 23
3.4.7 Relative Measurements 23
3.4.8 Zoom Functions 24
3.4.9 Representation of the Optical Power Reading 24
3.4.9.1 Power (Watts) and Bar-Graph Display 24
3.4.9.2 Digital Needle Display 25
3.4.9.3 Tune-Graph Display 26
3.4.9.4 Statistics Display 27
3.4.9.5 Power dBm Display 27

3.4.10 Menu Structure and Description of the Additional Functionality 28
3.4.11 Special Topics 29
3.4.11.1 Analog output 29
3.4.11.2 Backlight 30
3.4.11.3 Processor Reset 30
4Computer Interface 31
4.1 Connecting a Computer 31
4.2 Data Format 32
4.2.1 Program Data Elements 32
4.2.2 Response Data Elements 32
4.3 IEEE Emulation Codes 34
4.4 Commands 35
4.4.1 Common IEEE488.2 Commands 35
4.4.1.1 Common Command Overview 35
4.4.1.2 Common Command Description 36
4.4.2 Device Specific Commands 39
4.4.2.1 Device Specific Command Overview 39
4.4.2.2 Device Specific Command Description 40
4.4.3 Status Reporting 43
4.4.4 Error Reporting 43
5Calibration and Warranty 45
5.1 Calibration 45
5.2 Warranty 45
6Service and maintenance 47
6.1 General Care 47
6.2 Cleaning 48
6.3 Line Voltage 48
6.4 Repair 48
7Listings 49
7.1 Default Settings 49
7.2 List of figures 50
7.3 Certifications and Compliances 51
7.4 Thorlabs “End of Life” policy (WEEE) 52
7.4.1 Waste treatment on your own responsibility 52
7.4.2 Ecological background 53
7.5 Addresses 54

We aim to develop and produce the best solution for your application in the
field of optical measurement technique. To help us to come up to your
expectations and develop our products permanently we need your ideas and
suggestions. Therefore, please let us know about possible criticism or ideas.
We and our international partners are looking forward to hearing from you.
Thorlabs
This part of the instruction manual contains every specific information on how to
handle and use the PMxxx Optical Power Meter system. A general description is
followed by explanations of how to operate the unit remotely via the serial RS232
connection.
Attention
This manual contains “WARNINGS” and “ATTENTION” label in this
form, to indicate danger for persons or possible damage of equip-
ment.
Please read these advises carefully!
NOTE
This manual also contains “NOTES” and “HINTS” written in this form.

2.1 Setup
PM100 / page 1
1 Safety
Attention 
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in
this instruction manual will only apply when the unit is operated
correctly.
Use only the power cord specified for the unit.
Do not operate the power meter if its panels are removed or any of
the interior circuitry is exposed
Do not operate the power meter in wet or damp conditions, or in an
explosive atmosphere.
Operate the power meter only within the specified voltage range
Do not apply voltage outside the specified range of the input connec-
tions
Do not operate the power meter if there are suspected failures. Refer
damaged units to qualified Thorlabs service personnel

2.1 Setup
PM100 / page 2
Attention 
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commer-
cial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Standard shielding and filtering measures have to be undertaken to
avoid interferences with other electronic equipment!
NOTE
Please check prior to operation, if the line voltage range, indicated on the
power supply agrees with your local supply

2.1 Setup
PM100 / page 3
2 Getting Started Quickly
This section is provided for those interested in getting the power meter up and
running quickly. The more detailed description and advanced features are described
in the following sections.
2.1 Setup
• Carefully unpack the console, optical head and accessories. If any of the items
are damaged, do not use the meter. Call Thorlabs and arrange for replace-
ment.
• Install the NiMH battery pack; therefore turn the unit, set the battery pack in its
socket and push it slightly in top direction of the meter, until it snaps in.
• The battery pack should be fully charged before using the unit. Plug in the AC
adapter into the jack on the bottom side of the console and allow the battery to
charge for a minimum of 2 hours. The unit cannot switch off, when the charger
is applied.
• Plug the DB9 connector of the optical head into the jack located on the top of
the console and secure the two screws.
• Power on the unit by shortly pressing the on/off button.
• Conduct sensor zero calibration. The following procedure is required when
attaching a new sensor
o Press the Enter key and toggle down to the Dark Current Adj./Zeroing
menu.
o Cover the sensor and follow the wizard
o The values will be stored for up to 5 different sensors
2.2 Keyboard Summary
ON/OFF
Shortly pressing this key will power up the unit. Pressing the key for
longer than 2 seconds will power down the unit. Per factory default a
changeable auto-shutdown time of 10 minutes is set.

2.2 Keyboard Summary
PM100 / page 4
Backlight
Pressing the backlight key will turn on or off the display backlight. To
preserve the batteries, the backlight will turn off after the time that is set
in the System\Backlight menu (factory default 5 seconds).
Wavelength Correction
Short pressing of this button allows to toggle between 5 preset wave-
lengths (photodiode heads only). These are dependent from sensor
type and serial number.
Pressing the button for longer than 2 seconds enters a screen where
each of the 5 correction wavelengths can be individually changed by
toggling the up, down, left and right buttons.
Display
This button enables to toggle between the different displays of visualiza-
tion of the measured power. These displays are power reading in mW,
analog needle, statistics screen, tuning graph and power reading in
dBm.
Range Selection
Pressing the range key shortly enables to change the display power
range in decades for the digital displays and in ‘half’ decades (3, 10) for
the quasi analog displays.
Pressing the range key shortly twice conducts one auto-ranging step to
automatically jump to the optimal range.
Automatic Zeroing Mode
The REL∆ can be used to automatically zero the display by subtracting
the current reading from the displayed value. The amount of offset is
displayed additionally. Bar-graph and analog needle display go in a mid-
position type of display. Pressing the key again turns off this mode.
Arrow Keys
The arrow keys are used to navigate through the menus as well as
navigating and adjusting the display soft keys.
Enter Key
The enter key is used to get into child menus and confirm user settings
λ
RANGE
REL∆

2.3 Display Arrangement
PM100 / page 5
2.3 Display Arrangement
The display is divided into three horizontal sections that allow the user to view all
relevant information on a single screen:
• The top section with sensor, wavelength correction, attenuation correction and
battery info.
• The main display for measurement values, graphs and charts.
• The bottom section with soft buttons, operated by the arrow keys. Left/Right
activates the soft buttons, Up/Down changes the values. The activated button
is indicated in reverse style.
Figure 1 Display Arrangement
Main Display
λ1 = 780 nm
Si 50mW
Zoom 1 x 10 mW Abs. Menu
A
R
Sensor: indicates
type and maximum
sensor power
Wavelength Correction:
Indicates current
wavelength setting
Battery status bar:
Filled rectangle
indicates fully
char
g
ed batter
y
Zoom factor for the
analog displays
(needle, bar-graph,
tune
g
ra
p
h
)
Auto-Range
indicator: Shows
up when auto-
ran
g
e is activated
Measurement
range indicator
Relative display:
If REL∆ is activated the
difference to zero is
indicated in this button
Menu button:
Enters sub menus;
Toggles between the
measurement dis
p
la
y
s
Attenuation Correction:
Indicates current
attenuation setting
a = 10.00 dB

2.3 Display Arrangement
PM100 / page 6
3 Description
The Thorlabs PMxxx Power Meter system is a flexible optical power measurement
system that easily expands as your measurement needs grow. The system is based
on a universal console which displays the measurement on a graphic LCD read-out
and is controlled by an easy-to-use keypad.
Thorlabs offers a wide range of interchangeable sensor heads to use with the PM100
console. Large area silicon and germanium semiconductor heads cover the range
from visible to mid IR with nW sensitivity. For higher power measurements, Thorlabs
offers a line of thermal sensors that will measure up to 30W with sophisticated
circuitry enabling fast measurement results.
Please refer to www.thorlabs.com for new sensors that will enhance the PM100
system.
Each sensor head includes a non-volatile memory chip, which stores the NIST-
traceable calibration of the sensor along with other relevant data such as model
number, serial number, wavelength range, etc. The console automatically recognizes
the attached sensor head during the operation and adjusts the system accordingly to
maintain NIST-traceable, reliable power measurements.
The LCD graphics screen displays the real time optical power in large, easy-to-read
digits supported by a fine resolution bar graph. An x-y plot mode provides an
oscilloscope-type display of the power reading. The analog needle display is ideal for
tuning laser systems or aligning fiber launch systems. For process monitoring, real
time statistics such as min/max/mean/std dev are accessible through the statistics
mode. The display includes a backlight for easy viewing in dim lightning conditions.
The console includes an RS-232 serial port for remote access to the power meter, as
well as a configurable analog output for externally monitoring the power reading.
The console is powered by a 3.6V, 1500mAh nickel-metal-hybrid (NiMH) battery pack
for long life operation and fast recharging times. The included external power supply
is provided to recharge the battery pack as well as to operate the unit independent
from the battery pack.

3.1 Parts List – Accessories
PM100 / page 7
3.1 Parts List – Accessories
The power meter system consists of the following items:
• PM100 Universal power meter console with
o PMBAT Rechargeable and replaceable
3.6V 1500mAh NiMH battery pack
• CABSER Serial Interface cable; 9p Sub-D female on both ends
• Operation manual
• CD-ROM with all software included
• PMPS9 Power supply (9V, 1.1A), 85 .. 264V line voltage,
included line adaptors for US, EU, UK.
Depending on the order code the power meter system comes with one of the sensors
given below:
PM120: S120B – Silicon Sensor Power Head; 50nW – 50mW; 400 – 1100nm
PM121: S121B – Silicon Sensor Power Head; 500nW – 500mW; 400 – 1100nm
PM122: S122B – Germanium Sensor Power Head; 35nW – 35mW;
700 – 1800nm
PM130: S130A – Slim, dual range Silicon Sensor Power Head;
5nW – 500mW; 400 – 1100nm
PM132: S130A – Slim, dual range Germanium Sensor Power Head;
5nW – 500mW; 400 – 1100nm
PM140: S140A – Integrating Sphere Silicon Sensor Power Head;
1µW – 1W; 400 – 1100nm
PM144: S144A – Integrating Sphere InGaAs Sensor Power Head;
1µW – 1W; 800 – 1700nm
PM210: S210A – Thermal Power Head; 20mW – 3W; 250nm – 10.6µm
PM212: S212A – Thermal Power Head; 20mW – 10W; 250nm – 10.6µm
PM213: S213A – Thermal Power Head; 100mW – 30W; 250nm – 10.6µm

3.2 Technical Data
PM100 / page 8
3.2 Technical Data
(All technical data are valid at 23 ± 5°C and 45 ±15% humidity)
3.2.1 PM100 Display Unit
General Specifications:
Display: 240 x 160 pixel LCD with EL backlight
Display Format: Digit, Analog needle, histogram, statistics and menu
screens
PC Communication: RS-232
Baud Rate: 2400 – 115200 bps
Data Acquisition:
Photo-diode current range: 0.1nA - 4mA
Thermal-sensor voltage range: 1µV - 10mV
Accuracy: ±1% (console)
Resolution: 16 to 24 bit (Σ∆A/D Converter)
Sample Rate: 6 Hz
Analog Output:
Voltage Range: 0 – 4.095V
Resolution: 12 bit (1mV)
Sample Rate: 6 Hz
Power Range: 0.001V/mW – 1000V/mW, Software Adjustable
Connector: SMA
Power Management:
Battery Pack: NiMH, 1500mAh, 3.6V
Battery Run Time: > 12 hours (backlight off)
Charger: built-in 2 hr. battery charger
Power Supply: Plug-in power supply
Input: 85 – 264 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz
Output: 9VDC @ 1.1A

3.2 Technical Data
PM100 / page 9
3.2.2 S120B / S121B Silicon Sensor (PM120 / PM121)
Mechanical Drawing:
Specifications:
Spectral range: 400 – 1100nm
Sensor: Silicon
Sensor size: 10mm x 10mm sq. (0.39” x 0.39”)
Input aperture: ∅ 9.5mm (0.374”)
Distance to ND filter: 2.6mm (0.1”)
Distance to detector: 5.6mm (0.22”)
Aperture thread 1.035-40 Outer Thread (SM1 compatible)
Optical power range: S120B: 50nW – 50mW (@ 980nm)
S121B: 500nW – 500mW (@ 980nm)
Resolution: 100pW (S120B)/ 1nW (S121B)
Optical Damage Threshold: 50W/cm²
Measurement Standard: NIST traceable
Measurement uncertainty: +/- 5%
Operating temperature: 5°C to 40°C
Weight: 0.07kg (0.155lbs)
Notes:
The sensor contains an IR viewing target with absorption bands from 400 to 640nm
and 800 to 1700nm that can be removed by carefully levering in the side hole with a
small screw driver.
The sensors can be equipped with fiber adapters from the S120 series.
(Order Codes: S120-FC, S120-SMA, S120-SC)
For use with metric posts insert the 8-32 to M4 adapter.

3.2 Technical Data
PM100 / page 10
3.2.3 S122B Germanium Sensor (PM122)
Mechanical Drawing:
Specifications:
Spectral range: 700 – 1800nm
Sensor: Germanium
Sensor size: 10mm x 10mm sq. (0.39” x 0.39”)
Input aperture: ∅ 9.5mm (0.374”)
Distance to ND filter: 2.6mm (0.10”)
Distance to detector: 5.6mm (0.22”)
Aperture thread 1.035-40 Outer Thread (SM1 compatible)
Optica l power range: 35nW – 35mW (@ 1550nm)
Resolution: 100pW
Measurement Standard: NIST traceable
Measurement uncertainty: +/- 5%
Operating temperature: 5°C to 40°C
Weight: 0.07kg (0.155lbs)
Notes:
The sensor contains an IR viewing target with absorption bands from 400 to 640nm
and 800 to 1700nm that can be removed by carefully levering in the side hole with a
small screw driver.
The sensor can be equipped with fiber adapters from the S120 series.
(Order Codes: S120-FC, S120-SMA, S120-SC)
For use with metric posts insert the 8-32 to M4 adapter.

3.2 Technical Data
PM100 / page 11
3.2.4 S130A / S132B Slim Sensor (PM130 / PM132)
Mechanical Drawing:
Specifications: S130A S132A
Spectral range: 400 – 1100nm | 700 – 1800nm
Sensor: Silicon | Germanium
Sensor size: 10mm x 10mm sq. (0.39” x 0.39”)
Input aperture: ∅ 9.5mm (0.374”)
Distance to ND filter: 3.3mm (0.12”)
Distance to detector: 5.8mm (0.23”)
Optical power range (@980nm): 5nW – 5mW
5µW – 500mW | (50mW @1550nm)
Resolution: 100pW
Optical Damage Threshold: 50W/cm²
Measurement Standard: NIST traceable
Measurement uncertainty: +/- 5%
Operating temperature: 5°C to 40°C
Weight: 0.125kg (0.155lbs)
Notes:
The sensor contains two sets of calibration data for both slider positions. The console
automatically uses the right calibration data a few seconds after the slider has been
moved. Please care that the slider is always in a “snapped” position.

3.2 Technical Data
PM100 / page 12
3.2.5 S140A / S144A Integrating Sphere Sensor (PM140 / PM144)
Mechanical Drawing:
Specifications: S140A S144A
Spectral range: 400 – 1100nm | 800 – 1700nm
Sensor: Silicon | InGaAs
Measurement Principle: Integrating Sphere
Sensor size: ∅ 1mm
Input aperture: ∅ 5mm (0.20”)
Optical power range 1µW – 1W
Resolution: 10nW
Optical Damage Threshold: 200W/cm²
Measurement Standard: NIST traceable
Measurement uncertainty: +/- 5%
Operating temperature: 5°C to 40°C
Weight: 0.125kg (0.155lbs)
Notes:
To remove or change the fiber adapter, loosen the two M2.5x5 screws and lift-off the
adapter. Fiber adapters are available for SMA connectors (S140-SMA) and SC
connectors (S140-SC).
With removed fiber adapter the sensor can be used in free-space applications.

3.2 Technical Data
PM100 / page 13
3.2.6 S210A 3W Thermal Sensor (PM210)
Mechanical Drawing:
Specifications:
Spectra range: 250nm – 10.6µm
Sensor: Thermal Absorber
Input aperture: ∅ 19mm (3/4”)
Distance to detector: 8.0mm (0.315”)
Aperture thread: 3/4”-32
Optical power range: 20mW – 3W
Resolution: 1mW
Measurement Standard: NIST traceable
Measurement uncertainty: +/- 5%
Optical damage threshold: 200W/cm² CW
3.3J/cm² (1ms pulse @ 1064nm)
50mJ/cm² (20ns pulse @ 1064nm)
Size: 33.0mm x ∅63.5mm (1.3” x ∅2.5”)
Weight: 0.51kg (1.13lbs)

3.2 Technical Data
PM100 / page 14
3.2.7 S212A 10W Thermal Sensor (PM212)
Mechanical Drawing:
Specifications:
Spectra range: 250nm – 10.6µm
Sensor: Thermal
Input aperture: ∅ 12.7mm (1/2”)
Distance to detector: 55.9mm (2.20”)
Aperture thread: none
Optical power range: 20mW – 10W
Resolution: 1mW
Measurement Standard: NIST traceable
Measurement uncertainty: +/- 5%
Optical damage threshold: 200W/cm² CW
3.3J/cm² (1ms pulse @ 1064nm)
50mJ/cm² (20ns pulse @ 1064nm)
Size: 81.3mm x ∅63.5mm (3.2” x ∅2.5”)
Weight: 0.51kg (1.13lbs)